ABSTRACT
The process of urbanization causes significant changes to the hydrologic regime of catchments by increasing the area of impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, etc.) and altering the natural drainage network. The urbanization process includes increasing surface area of road networks; increasing connectivity between impervious areas and rivers and streams via pipes (Walsh et al., 2005); fragmentation and drainage of wetlands; decreasing drainage capacity through floodplain development; and channelization and engineered water exchanges among major surface water components. Increased hydraulic efficiency in urban catchments can diminish capacity for infiltration of precipitation, resulting in shorter concentration times and increased volume of runoff, greater flood peaks, and in some instances due to decreased infiltration, reduced recharge of ground water (Terstriep et al., 1976).
